Academic Program—Primary and Elementary Academies
Children in the Primary Academy are beginning to read and write, to acquire significant information, to understand and know more about the world, and to emerge as active learners and eager exploreres. In the Elementary Academy, students develop powerful new learning tools and techniques, and they put challenging new concepts to the test in more formal ways than were possible when they were younger.
Reading: 90 minutes daily
- Reading is taught in small classes of students all working at the same level. We emphasize cooperative learning and, for students who require additional support, one-to-one tutoring. Phonics, word-attack, comprehension, and study skills are taught through a literature-based approach.
Writing–Language Arts: 30 to 60 minutes daily
- Edison’s writer’s workshop approach emphasizes the stages through which writers advance with a piece of writing: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing and proofreading, and publishing. We teach writing in all subject areas. As they become more fluent writers, students hone their skills in the mechanics of spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Mathematics: 60 minutes daily
- The curriculum stresses computation and a full range of mathematics, including data collection and analysis, probability and statistics, geometry, and pre-algebra. To teach math at this level we use a research-based program proven to raise achievement levels.
Science: 45 minutes daily
- Active, hands-on explorations help students build their understanding of the key scientific concepts and big ideas that explain our world. Students address the content of life, earth and space, and physical science as well as the nature of science, through a series of modules set up to reflect their state’s standards and unique requirements.
Social Science: 45 minutes daily
- Our project-based, proprietary program emphasizes the use of literature in social studies instruction combined with supplemental informational text resources. Projects and activities are often cross-curricular and are guided by a multicultural perspective and respect for diversity.
World Language: 45 minutes every other day
- Beginning in kindergarten, students acquire a second language by learning conversation and culture, with the long-term goal of being able to communicate fluently in Spanish.
Fine Arts: 45 minutes every other day
- Music and visual arts are presented as a combination of history, performance, appreciation, and practice.
Physical Fitness and Health: 45 minutes every other day
- We focus on healthful nutrition and developmentally appropriate objectives in the areas of speed, flexibility, endurance, strength, and agility.